Easy Installation: No ductwork is required for mini-splits making it easy to hookup. Two small lines carry refrigerant from the outdoor condenser to the indoor evaporator through a small 3” hole in the wall. Typically installed in only a few hours, some outdoor units can be located as far as 50’ away from the indoor evaporator. This makes it possible to cool rooms on the front side of the house, but keep the compressor tucked away in a more discreet location.

Quiet Operation: By dividing the heat pump into 2 units, you will place the noisier component, the compressor, outdoors. This will give you some peace and quiet indoors.

Individual Temperature Zoning: Since each room has its own thermostat, you get perfect temperature control per room. And by only cooling or heating occupied spaces, you will save both energy and money.

Safe and Secure: Compared to traditional window-mount air conditioner units, mini-splits offer additional security. Because there is no duct, only a 3” hole, people with criminal intent do not have an easy access point to enter your home. Also, the advantage of having a permanent air conditioner is that you no longer have to remove it from the window in the winter and reinstall it in the spring.

Environmentally Conscious: Energy efficient heat pump models can produce more heat energy than the electricity they consume. Not only are they efficiently producing heat, no ducts = no energy losses that are normally associated with the ductwork of central forced air systems. For example, there is less than a 5% cooling loss in a mini-split’s insulated refrigerant lines compared to more than 30% through ductwork. The unit even comes pre-charged with refrigerant which is designed to prevent the depletion of the ozone layer. Lastly, there is only a 3” hole in the outside wall, so you’ll experience less temperature loss than a window-mounted air conditioner unit.

Interior Design Flexibility: As for mounting, the indoor evaporator can be hung on a wall, suspended from a ceiling, or even mounted flush into a drop ceiling. In addition to the variety of mounting options, the unit itself has a sleek looking design and will blend in with most decors.

Installation: Compared to traditional window air conditioner units or space heaters, the cost of installation may be higher since a qualified installer is necessary. This initial expense can be offset though with lower operating costs, provincial or federal rebates, and other financial incentives. The installer is responsible for correctly sizing each indoor unit and deciding the best location options for their installation. By reviewing your requirements carefully, installers can help you avoid buying a unit that is too large or too small for your room. If you get a unit that is too big, it would be more expensive to buy and operate. And if you get a unit that is too small, the result will be short cycling. This means wasted energy and improper temperature control.

Appearance: Although mini-splits are less obvious than a window-mounted air conditioner, these units do not have a built in look of a central heating system.

Let it Snow: Snow is inevitable in Atlantic Canada, yet snow cannot build up on the outdoor unit. In fact, the condenser needs to be mounted at least 2’ above the ground to keep it out of the snow. If the evaporator component gets plugged with snow, the compressor will spend more time melting snow and not heating the house. In addition to mounting the unit above ground, it is best to keep the unit protected by a roof so air flow isn’t restricted and snow is kept off and away from the unit.

Other Considerations: There must be a place for condensate water to drain near the outdoor unit and although heat pumps are quiet, they may be noisier than some other heating options. It’s important to keep in mind though that the greater the length of piping between the outdoor compressor and the indoor evaporator, the lower the efficiency of the heat pump and the greater the installation cost.